The Facts About Skin Disorders
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that affects at least One out of every
fifty persons in the United States with both sexes and
all age groups involved. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown.
body cells go through a life-death process. Normally, the cells that
compose the outer part of the skin will shed about 28 to 30 days after
they are formed in the deep layers of the skin. In psoriasis, however,
the rates of cell multiplication and growth is abnormally rapid and
disordered, so that skin sheds every three to four days rather than
about every month. The overproduction of skin cells lead to thickening
of the skin and scaling. Silvery plaques occur most frequently on
the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back, but can occur almost anywhere
on the skin.
The psoriatic process in any given area
is reversible. Consequently, the involved skin may return to a normal
appearance without scarring whenever this process is reversed, either
spontaneously or as a result of treatment.
Psoriasis is neither infectious nor contagious.
Psoriasis is more likely to occur in persons whose family members
also have this condition; thus part of the cause is certainly hereditary.
factors have been found to aggravate and, in some cases, precipitate
the outbreak of psoriasis:
Injury to the skin commonly precipitates
the appearance of psoriatic lesions. If the skin is cut, scratched,
rubbed or severely sunburned, a flare-up often will occur 10 to 14
days after the skin is irritated.
General health factors may influence psoriasis.
Many patients note flare-ups of the disease during physical and emotional
Infections can aggravate psoriasis. Frequently,
a flare-up of the disease can be triggered by severe viral or bacterial
infections of the upper respiratory track. This has been particularly
true following severe streptococcal infections of the throat.
Psoriasis can also be triggered by certain
drugs, including lithium and propranolol.
Lastly, changes in the seasons can cause
a variation in the severity of psoriatic lesions. This
is less of a factor in the South where the seasonal change is not
as pronounced as other climates. Nonetheless, psoriasis usually improves
in the summer months and worsens during the winter. However, sometimes
the converse is true. The
determining factor may be the sun's ultraviolet rays,
which are more intense during the summer months.
There is great variety in the severity
of psoriasis from person to person. Also, within the same person,
the degree of involvement can vary greatly over time. It frequently
gets worse or better for no apparent reason. Why it pops up in some
locations rather than others is not explained. Some people have it
for only a short time, while others have outbreaks frequently or constantly.
In some cases, psoriasis may affect the
nails by causing pitting on the surface, separating the nail from
the nail bed and thickening or crumbling of the nail plate.
About five percent of people with psoriasis
also have arthritis. Some of these people have a form
of arthritis unrelated to psoriasis, while others can have arthritis
as a part of psoriasis.
The arthritis of psoriasis sometimes improves when the skin manifestations
of the disease improve.
While there is no permanent cure for psoriasis,
it can be cleared or controlled in almost all cases. Outbreaks of
psoriasis can be treated each time. This does not prevent possible
future difficulty with psoriasis. Do not be discouraged, psoriasis
can be helped.
Because psoriasis can become worse if
neglected, treatment is important. Psoriasis can easily be treated
with many over the counter cream, lotion, spray and shampoo. The most
severe forms of psoriasis may require oral prescription medication
with or without combined ultraviolet treatments.
The goal of psoriasis treatment is to
relieve discomfort and slow down rapid skin proliferation. Treatment
varies according to the extent of the condition. Moisturizing creams,
ointments, lotions and sprays prevent water in the skin from evaporating,
improving the patient's appearance and controlling the itching that
is often produced by dry skin.
respect to the different treatments for psoriasis,
some of these do not work for all people and some treatments that
help some people do not help others. You have received information
on one or more types of treatment. It is important that you faithfully
carry out this treatment daily for a sufficient period of time to
give it an adequate chance to work. It takes time to clear or improve
psoriasis. Once your problem is well controlled, minimum daily treatment
may prevent it from breaking out again.
Types of Psoriasis
The most common form of psoriasis is plaque
psoriasis, which affects about 80% of all psoriasis patients. Its
symptoms are patches of raised, inflamed red skin covered by silver-colored
scales. The scales are actually dead skin cells that build up on the
surface of the psoriatic inflammation. Over a period of time, the
scales flake off, exposing the red skin beneath, and new scales occur.
Most common areas of the body include the scalp, knees, elbows and
Scalp psoriasis form when plaque psoriasis attacks the scalp. It is difficult
to treat scalp plaque psoriasis because the hair covers the scalp. It is noticeable
around the ears and hairline. The constant flaking and shedding of dead skin
cells makes it look like chronic dandruff.
Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled blisters
that vary in size and location and normally occurs on the hands and
feet. The blisters may be in specific area or spread over large parts
of the body. Pustular psoriasis can be both tender and painful, can
cause fevers and infection may require treatment of antibiotics.
Small red patches, normally on the trunk
or legs are symptoms of guttate psoriasis. The inflammation is neither
as thick nor as scaly as plaque psoriasis, but can sometimes cover
the entire body. Guttate psoriasis can be triggered by infections,
and often develops during childhood.
Genital psoriasis appears as red, shiny
skin around the genital area. The skin feels tight and sore. It may
split or crack. Given the proximity to the anus, genital psoriasis
runs a high risk of accompanying infections, especially when the skin
Psoriasis can also affect fingernails
and toenails. It causes nail pitting, which may turn yellow and thicken.
The skin around the nails is often inflamed, and may crumble easily.
In some cases, the nail may detach from the nail bed.
Flexural psoriasis occurs around the armpits,
groin area, and other areas where skin folds are present. It presents
as a smooth red inflammation and lacks the scaling associated with
plaque psoriasis. It is common in people who are over weight.
The least common form of psoriasis, erythrodermic
psoriasis causes sudden, widespread and painful inflammation, redness
and severe itching. The condition can be serious and may require immediate
hospitalization and treatment.
Psoriatic arthritis is the combination of arthritis and psoriasis around the affected joints. About 5% of psoriasis sufferers develop psoriatic arthritis: psoriasis sufferers have greater chances of developing arthritis than non-psoriasis sufferers. Psoriasis precedes the actual arthritis in the majority of cases.
What is Eczema
Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting
people of all ages and both sexes. The terms eczema and dermatitis
are often used by doctors to describe the same set of symptoms;
irritated, red and itchy inflamed skin.
can be extremely uncomfortable; fortunately there are many things
you can do to soothe the symptoms, making eczema easier to live with.
The word 'eczema' comes from Greek and literally means 'boiling over'. Normal
skin acts as a barrier to prevent water loss and stop skin irritants from
penetrating. If you have eczema your skin doesn't do this as effectively
as it should, leading to dryness, itching and cracked, scaly skin which
lets in bacteria and
allergens that can
cause an allergic reaction. It is not a contagious condition.
different types of eczema
There are many
types of eczema, varying in intensity from mild to severe, but the
most common are atopic eczema and contact dermatitis.
Atopic eczema is
the body's over-reaction to foreign substances, causing the skin to
become red, inflamed and very itchy. It tends to occur in people who
have a natural tendency to develop allergies such as asthma, hay fever
and food allergies. This tendency can be inherited. The condition
is very itchy and mainly affects the inside of the elbows and knees,
and the wrists and ankles. It is most frequently seen in children,
although adults can experience it.
is caused when your skin comes into contact with something that it
is allergic or sensitive to.
Eczema symptoms are very variable.
The mildest form of eczema involves chronic dry skin and itching. Some people
never develop th
inflammatory symptoms associated with acute eczema, but the condition is
still unpleasant and requires treatment with emollient therapy.
At its worst, acute eczema can involve a whole range
of severe symptoms including dry skin, inflammation,
itching, blistering, redness, scaling and weeping.
Once someone has been suffering from acute eczema,
their symptoms may enter a long term stage, as the
skin function deteriorates. This is known as chronic
eczema. The following features may occur:
inflammation subsides and is replaced by a thickening of the epidermis.
appear as cell turnover increases.
and scratching leads to fissuring of the epidermis when the skin becomes broken
scratching may produce secondary thickening (lichenification). The skin is still
Atopic eczema affects around 1 in 8 children and almost 30% of all new-born
babies carry the risk of developing the condition. It usually starts in young
babies who have dry, itchy, sore cheeks, which they may try to relieve by rubbing
on the pillow. The condition progresses down the body, affecting the creases
of the knees and elbows if it's a mild case, or the whole body if severe. It
also often occurs on the scalp. Children with widespread eczema tend to be
very itchy and miserable, particularly if they're too warm at night.
The good news is
that about 75% of children grow out of eczema before they reach their
mid-teens. However, their skin will always remain dry and prone to
hand eczema so a good skin care routine is necessary.
If you continue to experience eczema as you get older, you will probably find
that it affects the face, neck, upper chest, front of the shoulders, areas
where the skin creases and the backs of the hands.
Again the main symptom is severe itching and the condition can be exacerbated
itch scratch cycle
Eczema is often accompanied by a severe itching. Scratching can cause damage
to the skin. This allows bacteria to penetrate the skin and the body's immune
system reacts causing inflammation which in turn leads to further itching.
Inflammation can result in infection which once more can lead to itching. This
itch-scratch-inflammation cycle can be hard to break. Emollients with anti-itch
ingredients can help.
What causes eczema?
The exact cause
of atopic eczema is unknown. People inherit a tendency to the disorder,
but the symptoms themselves seem to be set off by a number of 'trigger
factors', for example:
In adults, stress, anxiety, depression and other psychological factors can
all influence atopic conditions. In particular, they can make the severity
and flare-ups of eczema much worse.
in the home or environment
If you get eczema you're more likely to react to irritants which you inhale
or which have contact with your skin. These include:
The fur of dogs
and cats, as well as horse hair
Low humidity - dry
air caused by air conditioning, central heating or frosty weather can aggravate
due to central heating and woollen or synthetic clothing can trigger itching
Certain foods may trigger eczema, as can the following food additives:
>> Parabens E214 to E218
>> Sodium Benzoate E211
>> Sorbic acid E200
>> Butyl hydroxyanisole E320
>> Butyl Hydroxytoluene E321
>> Tartrazine E102
>> Erythrosine E123
>> Amaranth E127
Industrial or chemical irritants
Certain chemicals such as detergents, biological washing powders and chlorine
in swimming pools can trigger ezcema.
How climate affects eczema isn't proven. However, there is evidence that the condition generally improves in mountains over 1500m high, in seashore locations and humid regions.
Atopic eczema often becomes worse in Autumn, as central heating is more widely used, leading to a reduction in room humidity.
Fungus of the
The human skin is
a wonderful tissue which among its many functions also
serves as an effective shield against invasion of our body by noxious
organisms, including molds or fungi. However, the skin armor fails
its protective function when it rusts or becomes damaged,
as a result of combined humidity and heat, trauma to the skin or decreased
Many of the more than one hundred thousand species of fungi on our planet have
adapted to live on human skin, and many do so in moderation without causing
disease in the human host. It is only under conditions of the skins reduced
resistance that fungi invade the human skin, and in certain instances even
the inside of the body.
are the most common cause of skin disease, not only in the United
States but also world wide. The most common fungal infections are
caused by a group of fungi known as tinea or dermatophytes that tend
to attack the scalp (the skin of the head), the skin of the body,
the groins, and the feet. Other groups of fungi may also be involved
in skin infections. The tinea or fungal infections are popularly named
by a variety of names, some more appropriate than others, such as athlete
foot, jock itch, and ring worm (although
they are a fungal infection and not a worm invasion).
People who perspire
freely or work in a hot or humid environment are more at risk of having
a fungal infection of the skin.
The diagnosis is often made on the basis of the location and appearance of
the lesions, but in more difficult cases, or in cases that do not respond to
therapy, the fungal lesions may be scraped and cultured and examined microscopically
and/or under fluorescent light.
treatment consists of topical anti-fungal creams,
as well as oral medications. Many of the topical antifungal creams
are available as over the counter medications. However, the oral medications
are available only by physicians prescription
because of their side effects. For example, griseofulvin, a common oral anti-fungal
medication, may cause headaches, nausea, and rarely, temporary liver damage.
Alcohol drinking is forbidden during oral anti-fungal therapy, because it
may increase the liver damage and interferes with
the effectiveness of the medication.
Ringworm of the scalp:
Tinea capitis or
ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection that affects primarily
school age children, although in recent years it has been reported
with increased frequency in adults. The infection may be transmitted
through combs, brushes, barrettes, pomades, bed linen, stuffed toys
and from person to person. Most children are not contagious if using
topical and oral antifungal medication, and may attend school.
The fungus invades
the hair shaft and causes the hairs to break and results in a fungal
rash. The fungal rash consists of one or several reddish scaly patches
usually associated with hair loss. Some lesions, if untreated, may
become severely inflamed, boggy or ulcerated, a condition known as
kerion. Such lesions may result in marked scarring and permanent patchy
fungi responsible for the scalp infection may produce atypical lesions
presenting as black dot and blond dot ring worm, balding black dot
ringworm areas, diffuse scaling, or as eczematous rashes, and the
diagnosis may be much more difficult. Treatment requires application
of topical anti-fungal creams, washing of the hair with Nizoral shampoo.
of the face:
Tinea faciei or
ringworm of the face is not a common site of fungal infection and
often has an unusual presentation that mimics other skin conditions
or rashes. This fungal infection may be contracted from dogs, cats,
horses and cattle.
Tinea barbae or
ringworm of the beard is a fungal infection of the bearded areas of
the face and neck and occurs only in adult males. Oral griseofulvin
is the best treatment. Patients with associated inflammatory reactions
may require also oral cortisone like medication.
of the body:
or ringworm of the body is more frequent in children and youth living
in a warm humid environment. The clinical symptoms are a result of
the fungal byproducts that are toxic or cause an allergic reaction.
The lesions are
usually slightly scaly, round or oval lesions with clear centers and
well defined, slightly raised borders, and develop mainly in the outer
layer of the skin (stratum corneum). The lesions are contagious and
are spread mostly by infected household pets (especially cats or kittens)
and occasionally through person to person contact.
The lesions usually
respond well to topical antifungal creams. However, oral medication
(Griseofulvin) may be required if the involved areas are extensive.
It is important
to use the medications for one week after the lesions have cleared
because there may be some residual infection within hair follicles.
Household pets should also be treated to avoid recurrent infections.
Click photo to enlarge
versicolor is a mild, chronic fungal infection of the outside layer
of the skin (stratum corneum) and is usually asymptomatic. Some patients
do complain of itching, but this is usually mild and resolves as the
rash is treated. The lesions have often a geographic like configuration
with a somewhat branny appearance and appear as a discolored area
of the body. On untanned skin the rash is pink to brown.
In tanned individuals,
in which the fungus has prevented the tanning of the underlying skin
in the affected areas, the lesions look white.
has a tendency to recur. Recommended treatments include application
of Selenium sulfide 2.5% solution and antifungal creams. The uneven
pigmentation can be treated with alpha hydroxyacid lotion.
Tinea cruris or
jock itch is a fungal infection of the groins, areas around the genitalia
and the anus, and affects primarily adult men. It is not a contagious
condition and direct person to person contact rarely causes an infection.
Both groin areas are affected by moist reddish-purplish lesions with
well defined, reddish, scaly and slightly elevated borders. The lesions
are markedly itchy and may be occasionally painful.
The lesions usually
respond well to topical antifungal creams applied twice daily to the
skin. If the affected areas are very itchy or inflamed, a cortisone
cream or ointment may be added. Recurrences may be prevented by wearing
loose cotton underwear, dusting the groins with baby powder and drying
thoroughly after bathing.
Tinea pedis or
athletes foot is the most common fungal infection of skin. It
is more common in adolescent males and in children whose father or
older brothers have chronic untreated athletes foot. It usually
begins as a white, wet, skin area that peels easily away between the
toes. The lesions, more commonly seen in the webs between the fourth
and little toes, spread progressively, are commonly associated with
blisters, and are accompanied by itching or marked discomfort. The
lesions may be complicated by a secondary bacterial infection.
People who have
a tinea pedis infection and shave their legs may inoculate the fungus
underneath the skin and may develop a deep skin infection of the roots
of the hairs (hair follicles).
cream with or without an antibiotic are sufficient, but extensive
involvement may require oral griseofulvin.
To avoid recurrent infections it is recommended to keep the feet as dry as
possible, use a foot powder daily, wearing socks which are at least 60% cotton
and alternating two or three pairs of shoes, so they will always be completely
dry. Open-toed sandals are recommended and boots should be avoided. It is also
a good idea to wear slippers when showering in public places like gyms as these
are prime places for this infection to be acquired.
infection of the nails:
of the nails (onchomycosis) are seen primarily in adults, and affect
nearly 11 million Americans. The affected nails are usually thickened,
discolored and show accumulation of debris under the nails and occasionally
separation of the nail from the nails bed. Toenails are more
frequently affected than fingernails.
The nail fungal
infestations are difficult to treat and require both topical antifungal
creams and oral griseofulvin for six months or more. Sometimes the
fungal infections do not respond to the above treatments and other
antifungal medications (such as oral itraconazole, terbenafine, etc.)
may be required. These are also often treated with liquid antifungal
solutions that are placed under the nail using a dropper.
Fungal ear infection
(Otomycosis) is a superficial fungal infection of the outer ear canal.
The infection is manifested by inflammation, itching, scaling and
marked pain. Secondary bacterial infections are common. These infections
are usually seen in persons with compromised immune systems.
Usually the patients
are advised to clean the affected area with a Burrows solution,
or a 5% aluminum acetate solution. In more severe cases a local antiseptic
solution may also be prescribed.
is a filamentous (thready) fungus which may infect not only the skin,
but also the genital areas causing vulvar inflammation, the throat
causing pharyngitis and even the inner viscera. Candida infections
are seen in individuals with decreased immune capabilities such as
diabetics, cancer patients and HIV positive patients. Oral antifungal
medications such as Ketoconazole are commonly used in treatment.
In conclusion, fungal skin infections, although generally not life threatening, may cause marked discomfort and, if left untreated, may lead to significant chronic complications.
About Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is imported from Australia; the oil is extracted utilizing steam distillation process. Tea Tree is a small, scrub like tree with needle shaped leaves. Botanical name is Melaleuca Alternifolia; the color of the essential oil is Pale Yellow to colorless, consistency is thin with a medium to strong aroma.
Possible Benefits of Tea Tree Oil:
It is a very powerful immune stimulant; it can fight all three infectious organisms, bacteria, fungi and viruses. For the skin and scalp, Tea Tree Oil has been used to fight acne, head lice, oily skin, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, toenail/fingernail fungus, athlete's foot, ringworm, dry/cracked skin, minor wounds, insect bites, sunburn, herpes, vaginal infections and more. It is considered to be beneficial for healing scalp psoriasis.
Pure Tea Tree oil is one of the strongest natural antiseptic and keeps its effectiveness in the presence of blood and infection.
Tea Tree Oil Therapy is a powerful medicine that is quite gentle to the skin; it penetrates and heals the skin while being kind to healthy tissues.
Tea Tree Oil has shown to be many more times effective than other antiseptics like Phenol, Chlorhexidine, Hydrogen Peroxide and Quartarnary Ammonium compounds.
During studies preformed by health care professionals' tea tree oil has proven to be more effective in killing staph bacteria than many popular antibiotics made by man. Additional studies have shown that benzoyl peroxide is less effective in treating acne then tea tree oil and the oil does not leave the skin red and irritated.
According to physicians, tea tree oil passed the Kelsey Sykes test, the most rigorous antiseptic test available. It proved effective, both in vitro and in vivo, against fungi such as Candida albicans and ringworm, and bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Streptococcus. In the publication Natural Health, Natural Medicine, Dr. Andrew Weil stated that "tea tree oil is the best treatment I know for fungal infections of the skin."
A statement from the National Psoriasis Foundation, "Today, tea tree oil is the active ingredient in a variety of creams, lotions, soaps and shampoos. Some Foundation members report success with it, particularly for scalp psoriasis."
Information quoted from the Internet Health Library, "Research in Australia has shown that tea tree oil and oil of lavender are both helpful in treating eczema. These oils should be added to a good carrier oil such as vitamin E oil or almond oil before being applied to the affected areas. Vitamin E, as mentioned above, is an excellent antioxidant and therefore helps strengthen and nourish the blood vessels."
Blend with Carrier Oil:
Tea Tree oil blends well with Vitamin E, Sweet Almond, Avocado, Wheat Germ, Cinnamon, Clove, Lavender, Lemon, Nutmeg, Thyme and Rosemary Oil.
Keep out of reach of children & animal. Use only as directed.
Don't use tea tree oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The oil may burn if it gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or other tender areas.
Some people have allergic reactions, including rashes and itching, when applying tea tree oil. Good idea to try a patch test first.
If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, cancer or other major health condition, use oil cautiously.
If you experience redness, irritation, swelling and pain, stop use immediately and consult a Physician.
Most useful Tea Tree Oil products made by known manufacturers are available on our Tea Tree Oil Page.